Everything we know so far about when hairdressers could reopen in England

Hairdressers were forced to close as part of England’s fresh nationwide coronavirus restrictions.

With lockdown hairstyles becoming out of control, many people are anxiously awaiting news on when their local barber or salon could open back up.

Boris Johnson is expected to outline his roadmap out of lockdown on 22 February, when he will set out potential dates for some businesses to welcome back customers.

So, will hairdressers be included in the roadmap?

Here is everything we know so far.

When will hairdressers reopen?

The prime minister’s highly anticipated lockdown exit strategy will outline plans for easing restrictions in England.

This roadmap will detail the reopening of schools but also the gradual opening up of the economy to get “our lives back to as close to normal as possible”, Boris Johnson said.

Mr Johnson’s phased plan for easing Covid measures will be presented in three stages, according to the i paper.

The prime minister has repeatedly said that the government’s priority is to open schools, and classrooms could welcome pupils back on 8 March once the most vulnerable groups have been vaccinated.

If the R number remains low after schools return, the second stage will be to open non-essential shops, a government official reportedly told the i.

After that, hospitality businesses could open by Good Friday on 2 April, including hotels, restaurants and pubs.

Hairdressers, beauty salons and personal care services are likely to fall under the non-essential retail category, meaning they could be next to open after schools return in March.

But whether restrictions can be eased will depend on data including infection rates, death rates and how the vaccine rollout for vulnerable people is progressing.